Star rating system for lorries and Vision Zero action plan (6)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to question 2021/0474. How many HGVs operating in London do you currently estimate to be achieving each of the ratings, from zero stars to five stars, of your Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?

The Mayor: The table below shows the number of permits issued by Transport for London as of 9 November 2021.
Permits issued by Star Rating
Star Rating
No. of Permits
0
108,357
1
52,402
2
19,663
3
11,168
4
1,831
5
6,028
Total
199,449

TfL Bonuses (1)

Neil Garratt: Please confirm who would qualify for a TfL bonus.

The Mayor: Performance Awards are a key component of Transport for London’s (TfL) remuneration offer, enabling it to attract and retain talent, as well as incentivise strong performance. There are two primary performance award frameworks at TfL; Senior Management Performance Awards and Pay for Performance.
Pay for Performance includes TfL employees at Pay Bands 2 and 3, covering approximately 5,700 employees.
The Senior Management Performance Awards covers those at Pay Band 4 and above, including Directors, Managing Directors and the Commissioner. This framework includes approximately 1,280 employees.
No bonuses will be paid in 2022, however the TfL renumeration committee has proposed a new arrangement for 2021/22 and 2022/2023 which would reflect the need for TfL to retain talent while working to reach financial sustainability by April 2023. Any performance award earned would only be paid once TfL achieves financial sustainability.

Hammersmith Bridge

Tony Devenish: Is the Mayor confident that LBHF will deliver their share of the funding to fully repair Hammersmith Bridge?

The Mayor: The Transport for London (TfL) funding and financing agreement from the Department for Transport (DfT), dated 1 June 2021, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be required between the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF), TfL and the DfT to confirm the funding arrangements for the repairs to Hammersmith Bridge. A draft MoU was produced by DfT in the summer, which both LBHF and TfL reviewed and commented on. The updated draft is now awaited.
TfL’s present funding position means it is not in a position to financially support work to maintain assets owned by partner organisations such as LBHF. Any financial contribution from TfL towards Hammersmith Bridge’s stabilisation and strengthening is therefore entirely dependent upon adequate long-term financial support being provided to TfL by the DfT.

Black police officer recruitment and attrition

Unmesh Desai: Please advise how many black police officers were recruited in each of the past four calendar years, and also the number of black officers who left the MPS over the same time period. It is not possible to retrieve this information from the Met workforce data reports or action plan dashboard.

The Mayor: The table below shows the number and proportion of Black officer recruits alongside overall officers recruited for the last four calendar years.
Year
Black
Overall
% Black
2018
85
1808
4.7%
2019
150
3575
4.2%
2020
107
3139
3.4%
2021
121
2464
4.9%
463
10986
4.2%
The second table shows the attrition of Black officers by number and proportion against overall attrition.
Year
Black
Overall
% Black
2018
55
2200
2.5%
2019
75
2177
3.4%
2020
46
1759
2.6%
2021
62
1703
3.6%
238
7839
3.0%

Violent hate crimes

Unmesh Desai: How many offences classed as violence against the person were also hate crimes in each of the last four years? Please also provide the breakdown by each of the protected characteristics eg homophobic hate crimes.

The Mayor: 0387_Violent Hate Crimes.xlsx

Probation service collaboration

Unmesh Desai: How are the MPS, MOPAC and the VRU working with Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service to ensure the recent significant uplift in Probation Officers in London has the maximum impact on rehabilitating offenders and reducing crime?

The Mayor: I welcome the increase in recruitment that means that London Probation currently has 250 people on the Professional Qualification in Probation training and more about to start. This training includes a strong emphasis on managing risk of serious harm to enable staff to work in partnership across London to assess and manage the risk of those convicted of violence and to reduce reoffending.
To make the most of these skills and resources, MOPAC, the MPS and the VRU continue to work increasingly closely with the Probation Service in London on shared projects, new strategies and commissioned services to reduce reoffending and violence and help people on probation turn their lives around. This includes developing and expanding areas of work, such as Integrated Offender Management (IOM), rehabilitative services for women in the CJS, GPS tagging and the Youth 2 Adult hub pilot for young adults. These shared projects rely on using the influx of new Probation Officers across London to support and expand this work.

Proportion of Met budget funded from City Hall

Unmesh Desai: Please advise what proportion of the Metropolitan Police’s total budget was accounted for by money provided from City Hall in each of the last 8 years.

The Mayor: Information on the Metropolitan Police’s budget in the years concerned and the amount of funding from all sources is available in the historic budget documents on the GLA website (The Mayor's budget | London City Hall).

Extra revenue from five pence increase in bus fares

Siân Berry: What has been the total number of bus journeys and extra revenue raised from the five pence increase in bus fares over each of the first two financial quarters of 2021-22?

The Mayor: Between 1 April 2021 and 18 September 2021, 312 million bus journeys were made using Pay As You Go. The five pence increase over the 2020 bus fare of £1.50 has raised approximately £10m over this period. This includes the impact of an associated 15 pence rise in the bus daily cap.

Withdrawn Transport for London ‘See their side’ advertisement (1)

Siân Berry: In view of the hasty withdrawal of the Transport for London (TfL) ‘See their side’ campaign advertisement, could you provide the following: a) details of the process for developing the advert with timelines, b) role names of the TfL officers who signed off the initial brief to the agency and on what date, c) role names of the TfL officers who signed off the final campaign and advertisement and on what date, d) whether any groups or organisations outside TfL were consulted on the campaign and on what dates, e) whether the Vision Zero Reference Group was consulted on either the brief or the advertisement before sign-off, f) whether your Walking and Cycling Commissioner was consulted at any stage before sign-off, and g) how you will avoid such a costly mistake in future by improving these processes?

The Mayor: a) Transport for London (TfL) carried out the process outlined in Figure 1 (attached). Please note that some of these timelines are truncated because, like many of TfL’s projects, the development of this campaign was paused during the pandemic to help manage resources, including furlough and cash flow.
b) TfL’s Head of Customer Marketing and Behaviour Change signed off the brief in November 2019.
c) The TfL officers who signed off the final ads are the Head of Customer Marketing and Behaviour Change, Customer and Revenue Director and Managing Director of Customer, Communications and Technology. Before the campaign went live the final campaign materials were shared with the Managing Director of Surface Transport, Chief Safety Health and Environment Officer, Head of Insights and Direction Safety Health and Environment. Approvals and sharing took place at the beginning of November 2021.
d) Figure 2 (attached) shows the external groups that were invited to engage with the development of the campaign three times - in December 2019, June and September 2021. Attendance for the June and September meetings is detailed in Figure 2. TfL does not have a record of the December 2019 attendance.
TfL also consulted officers at the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Department for Transport (DfT), including sharing the final creative work.
e) The Vision Zero Reference Group (VZRG) brings together expertise from a number of organisations and representative groups to discuss Vision Zero policy areas and challenges. In the last 12 months, the VZRG discussed the culture campaign at two meetings in June and September. In June the campaign strategy was shared and discussed with the group, and in September the script for the television advert was also shared.
f) The concept of a culture change campaign was shared with the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, but he did not see a script or view the advert before it went live.
g) TfL continually reviews its processes and will look to identify improvements in how it engages with stakeholders, in this case over and above the consultation and engagement that did take place with 27 external stakeholders plus the GLA and DfT.

Free public transport for under-22s

Siân Berry: Young people in Scotland aged under 22 will benefit from free travel on buses from 31 January 2022. What would be the annual cost of introducing a similar scheme in London?

The Mayor: Transport for London already gives unlimited free bus and tram travel to all under 18sin London. Under 11s also get free Tube and rail travel, and those aged 11-18 travel at a child rate. Students aged 18 and older studying in London are eligible for cheaper season tickets and anyone with a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard gets cheaper off-peak travel.
The cost ofthe revenue foregone for introducing free travel on buses for all young people in London aged under 22 would likely be around £100m per annum. In addition, there would be some set-upcosts to create a new Oysterphotocard concession, and ongoing costs to manage and deliver a new concession.

Paper copies of the Tube toilet map

Nicholas Rogers: What steps is TfL undertaking to ensure paper copies of the Toilet Tube Map are available at Underground stations so they can be used by Londoners without internet access?

The Mayor: The pocket Tube map that shows which stations have toilets either in the station or nearby is available at all Transport for London stations.

Provision of step-free crossing at Kew Gardens Station

Nicholas Rogers: Further to your response to my question no. 2021/4523, entitled Step-free crossing at Kew Gardens Station, please be advised that my question was answered incorrectly.

I enquired about works at the station for the provision of a step-free crossing, in view of there already being step-free access at the station. One can access either the eastbound or the westbound platforms from the street on either side of the station without steps. However, what is at issue here is that one cannot cross from one side of the station to the other without steep steps. So, for example, if you arrive on the eastbound platform from Richmond you can exit the station without steps to visit the shops, cafes and the Royal Botanic Gardens on that side of the station. The problem arises when you want to return to Richmond - there is no step-free way of getting to the westbound platform at Kew Gardens station, other than via the High Park Road Bridge, or by travelling east to Gunnersbury and crossing the platform there to travel back in a westerly direction.

Could you therefore advise of any work so far undertaken in securing a step-free crossing at Kew Gardens Station and appraise me of the future plans?

The Mayor: Step-free access stations have level access, lifts or ramps (or a combination of these) so that customers don't have to use escalators or stairs to move between the street and the platforms. Customers who require step-free access at Kew Gardens station are able to reach the platforms from street level without using stairs, however this does involve a route outside of the station at street level.
Transport for London (TfL) officers met with a local amenity society in early 2020 to discuss options for installing additional lifts at this station, as the society had funded a small study to investigate the feasibility of this. However, it is very unlikely that eitherTfL or Network Rail would be able to fund the installation of lifts as the station already provides step-free access, and this was made clear to attendees at this meeting.
You may be aware that around two-thirds of stations on the London Underground network currently do not have step-free access. While I acknowledge that changing between the eastbound and westbound platforms without using stairs at Kew Gardens station involves a route outside the station at street level, this situation is not unique to Kew Gardens and is also the case at stations such as Woodside Park and Chorleywood.
Following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on TfL’s finances and the uncertainty surrounding a long-term funding deal from the Government, TfL has had to reassess the scope ofa number ofprogrammes, including accessibility, and must first prioritise spending its limited resources on improving access for customers at stations that currently have no step-free access.
TfL will continuetowork withboroughs anddevelopers to identify opportunities to increase the step free network through third party contributions.

Section 53-54 of the Equality Act

Keith Prince: Do you agree that TfL is a qualification body under section 53-54 of the Equality Act in relation to taxi drivers? If not, why not?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/4910.

Disability Discrimination by TfL

Keith Prince: Are you aware that an employment tribunal claim is currently lodged against TfL by a taxi driver for disability discrimination?

The Mayor: This is a matter for Transport for London. In any case, it would not be appropriate to discuss an ongoing tribunal claim, or an individual licensee, in this forum.

Sexual assaults

Susan Hall: For each year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 how many sexual assaults were committed at pubs, clubs and festivals in London?

The Mayor: The MPS are unable to identify festivals as there is not a coded field on CRIS for this and as such these have not been included.

The Mayor: 0207_Sexual assaults.xlsx

Night Tube Opening

Krupesh Hirani: What are the latest plans on reopening the night tube to other lines on the TfL network?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2021/4477.

Administrative savings in administration of the Oyster 60 plus card and the Freedom Pass

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your answer to Question 2021/4027, are you permanently ruling out any examination of potential savings that could be made relating to the administration of the Oyster 60 plus card and the Freedom Pass?

The Mayor: As outlined in my answer to Mayor’s Question 2021/4027, it is unlikely that there are any real savings to be made from merging the administration of these two concessions schemes.

Floki Inu

Tony Devenish: How much money is TfL making from Floki Inu adverts?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) cannot disclose financials about a specific campaign, as it is commercially sensitive information for its advertising partners.

TfL developments

Neil Garratt: On several occasions, you as Mayor and Chair of TfL have refused to answer questions about TfL’s plans for development on their land, because of the conflict with your role in adjudicating major planning applications. Does this conflict of interest create a problem for accountability, since it makes the Chair of TfL unable to be scrutinised on a point of major public interest?

The Mayor: All development schemes are subject to public engagement and scrutiny as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, and in my London Plan. Transport for London’s projects are no different and are open to scrutiny and public comment via the planning application process.
As you know, TfL is a large organisation that is open and accountable to the public, with TfL’s property development arm making up only a small part of the organisation. Where a conflict arises because of my joint roles as Mayor of London and Chair of TfL, decisions are delegated, for instance during the decision to approve the Kidbrooke Station Square planning application.
The TfL Board and the Finance Committee, through which major governance decisions are made, are open to the public. Likewise, major decisions on TfL’s property programme going forward will be routed through the new Land and Property Committee, as agreed at the TfL Board meeting on 9 December 2021, which will also be open to public scrutiny.

Cannabis possession addiction service referrals

Unmesh Desai: How many individuals found in possession of cannabis did the Met Police refer to addiction services in each of the last four years?

The Mayor: The information you request is unavailable due to the way these referrals are recorded in the custody record. It would take a significant amount of time to review individually the large volume of records involved.

Cocaine possession addiction service referrals

Unmesh Desai: How many individuals found in possession of cocaine did the Met Police refer to addiction services in each of the last four years?

The Mayor: The information you request is unavailable due to the way these referrals are recorded in the custody record. It would take a significant amount of time to review individually the large volume of records involved.

Police complaints demographic breakdown

Unmesh Desai: Please provide a demographic breakdown of those who submitted complaints against the Metropolitan Police in each of the last four years, including sexual orientation. Please advise how many of the allegations within the complaints made were “upheld” or had a “case to answer” in each year.

The Mayor: Please refer to the attached spreadsheet which provides a breakdown of the information requested. This includes a breakdown of the total number of complainants by protected characteristic for each of the last 4 years, and a detailed breakdown of the numbers of complaint allegations by characteristics and allegation result. Note that each complaint ‘case’ (or ‘incident’ as they are sometimes known) can be made up of one or more allegations against one or more officers.
The range of possible outcomes for each complaint allegation has changed significantly during this period as a result of the legislative reforms to the police complaints system introduced by the Home Office in February 2020.
Under the revised regulations complaints which have been subject to an investigation under Schedule 3 of the Police Reform Act 2002 require the appropriate authority to make a formal decision at the end of the investigation about whether the officer(s) subject to investigation have a case to answer for misconduct, gross misconduct or no case to answer.
Where a complaint has been handled under Schedule 3, but otherwise than by investigation, forces must now include an assessment of the service provided. This will conclude with one of the following outcomes: the service provided by the police was acceptable, the service provided by the police was not acceptable or we have looked into the complaint but have not been able to determine if the service provided was acceptable.
This change was to encourage focus on the service provided by the police force and deliver a complaints system that is less adversarial. This shifts the focus away from individual blame towards corporate responsibility, the recognition and resolution of expressions of dissatisfaction, and the learning opportunities these present. Accordingly, and in line with IOPC statutory guidance, forces are now advised to refrain from using phrases such as ‘upheld’ or ‘not upheld’ when making decisions and reaching conclusions at the end of complaint handling.
Additionally, please note that the ‘Regulation 41’ category available for the last two years concerns the regulation under the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 under which the appropriate authority contacts the complainant following a suspension of the investigation of a complaint until the conclusion of criminal proceedings to ascertain whether they wish for the investigation to be resumed. If the complainant does not want the investigation resumed or fails to reply to the appropriate authority must determine whether it is in the public interest for the complaint to be treated as a recordable conduct matter.

The Mayor: MQ 0392 Police complaints demographic breakdown v1.xlsx

Police complaints allegations

Unmesh Desai: Please advise how many complaints made in each of the last years involved allegations of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination because of disability in each of the last four years. Please advise how many of the allegations within the complaints made were “upheld” or had a “case to answer” in each year.

The Mayor: The following table provides a breakdown of discrimination allegations received by the MPS for each of the last 4 years and subsequent results. Note that outcomes for 258 allegations received in 2021 have yet to be finalised.
The table reflects the 2020 change in police complaints regulations which introduced a new set of possible outcomes with a view to improving data quality and ensuring all complaints are handled in a reasonable and proportionate manner.
Allegation Result
2018
2019
2020
2021
Local Resolution
27
28
0
0
Dispensation
18
6
1
0
Withdrawn
23
30
20
14
Upheld
4
5
0
0
Not Upheld
193
281
53
0
Special Requirements*
66
72
5
0
Case to answer
0
0
3
0
No Case to answer
0
0
47
11
No further action required
0
0
54
24
Not determined if the service acceptable
0
0
14
16
Not Resolved
0
0
4
0
Resolved
0
0
21
4
Regulation 41 (Investigation only)
0
0
1
0
The service provided was acceptable
0
0
424
208
The service provided was not acceptable
0
0
9
9
Awaits Result
3
8
51
258
Grand Total
334
430
707
544
Number upheld/Case to answer/The service provided was not acceptable
4
5
12
9
*Under the Police Reform Act 2002 a complaint investigation will be certified as one subject to ‘Special Requirements’ if, in the course of an investigation of a public complaint, it appears to the person investigating that there is an indication that a person to whose conduct the investigation relates may have committed either a criminal offence or behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings. Once that designation has been applied the investigating officer must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after doing so, make a severity assessment in relation to the conduct of the person concerned.
For allegations recorded under the 2012 regulations prior to 01/02/20, multiple types of discrimination could be recorded for each allegation and therefore there is no way to show this data in a simple table. However, under the revised 2020 regulations the process was changed so only one type of discrimination could be recorded for each allegation. The tables on the attached spreadsheet show allegations recorded under the 2020 allegations by discrimination type and result. Given the change of legislation this further detailed breakdown is only available for the last two years.

TfL, Government and Service Reduction (2)

Len Duvall: What will this reduction in services mean for Londoners?

The Mayor: The most extreme level of service reductions Transport for London (TfL) is having to consider would have a huge, ongoing and unequal impact on Londoners. The most consequential reduction in services would be on the bus network, where TfL’s high-level assessment suggests it would have to withdraw over 100 routes (about a seventh of the network) and reduce frequency on more than 200 routes (about a third of all remaining routes).
This would create a real risk of a spiral of decline, where reduced service pushes people away from London’s integrated public transport network, towards car journeys and the higher congestion, pollution and road danger they cause. Access to jobs would worsen significantly; TfL’s analysis suggests there are areas of London where the number of jobs residents can access within a 50-minute commute would reduce by more than 50 per cent.
Buses are disproportionately used by people on low incomes, younger and older people, people from ethnic minorities and women. All buses offer step-free access that enables disabled Londoners to get around the city. These groups who depend on London’s buses would have their opportunities to access jobs and services reduced, increasing inequality and reducing social cohesion. These are general effects across the city; the localised impacts on communities as services are withdrawn or significantly reduced would be severe and wide-ranging. TfL continues to make the case for avoiding the worse of these changes, but only with adequate government funding will it be able to maintain the services the city needs.

TfL Services and Lewisham

Len Duvall: How can you reassure my constituents in Lewisham that TfL will provide the services needed to help them access work, schools, local amenities and the services they need?

The Mayor: There is no UK recovery from the pandemic without a London recovery and there is no London recovery without a properly funded transport network in the capital.I willcontinue to make the case forsustained long-term Government funding to ensure London’s transport network can remain reliable and efficient, can support the jobs and new homes that rely upon it, and can support the economic recovery of the capital, the country as a whole, and of course, all of London’s boroughs.

Responding to the London Cannabis Legalisation Commission's London Cannabis Study

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you be responding directly to each of the 20 recommendations contained in the London Cannabis Legalisation Commission's London Cannabis Study? If not, why not?

The Mayor: I will not be responding to each of the 20 recommendations set out in the London Cannabis Study. The report may be of interest to the London Drugs Commission for consideration as part of their work but that will be a matter for them.

Updated Organisation Chart of TfL Surface Transport

Keith Prince: With the appointment of Louise Cheeseman as Director of Buses, please provide me with an Organisation Chart of TfL Surface Transport with names and contact details of the relevant executives which shows their direct and indirect reporting lines to the Commissioner and MD for Surface Transport.

The Mayor: Please find attached the updated organisational chart for Transport for London’s (TfL) Surface Transport Directorate which is in place until 31 January.
Customers have a range of contact options should they wish to contact TfL, which are available on TfL’s website: https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/.
TfL also provides stakeholders, such as Assembly Members, with an individual named contact and dedicated mailbox to raise matters directly.

The Mayor: 4512 Updated Organisation Chart of TfL Surface Transport attachment.pdf

Covid fines

Leonie Cooper: How many breach of COVID regulation fines have been issues by TfL to residents of:
Merton


Wandsworth

The Mayor: Please see the attached table showing the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued to residents of the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth. Please note that the FPN may not have been issued within the borough itself.

The Mayor: 0368 ATTACHMENT.xlsx

TfL use of Personal Service companies

Caroline Pidgeon: Please publish a table showing how many current temporary employees at Transport for London have been engaged via employment agencies and paid through Personal Service Companies for (a) less than 3 months, (b) 3 to 6 months, (c) 6 to 12 months, (d) 12 to 18 months, (e) 18 months to 2 years, (f) 2 to 3 years, (g) 3 to 4 years, (h) 4 to 5 years, (i) 5 to 6 years, (j) 6 to 7 years, (k) over seven years. Please also break down the figures for each time period showing how many employees in each category were paid (1) over £100,000 per year, (2) over £155,000 per year, and (3) over £200,000 per year.

The Mayor: The majority of agency workers at Transport for London (TfL) are engaged via their employment agency as PAYE workers. A small number of workers are engaged via employment agencies as Personal Service Companies (PSCs). TfL engages PSCs via agencies in specialist areas where there is a shortage of skills or where it is cost effective to do so.
There are a total of 77 agency workers engaged as PSCs earning £100,000 or above. The majority of these are engaged for short periods in scarce skill areas, including 53 in Tech & Data, 10 in Commercial and six in TfL Engineering teams. TfL continues to keep these roles under review to ensure that they provide the best value to the organisation.
Duration
£100k to £155k
£155k to £200k
£200k+
< 3 months
6
2
3 – 6 months
12
2
6 – 12 months
11
3
1
12 – 18 months
1
2
2
18 – 24 months
7
1
2 – 3 years
3
1
3 – 4 years
3
4 – 5 years
3
5 – 6 years
3
6 – 7 years
3
7+ years
11
Total
63
9
5

TfL’s January 2021 Remote Sign On Memo

Keith Prince: Further to your responses to questions 2021/1959, 2021/1960, 2021/1961, 2021/1962 and 2021/1963, a recent press report (https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/10/13/lond-o13.html) published copies of a document that is alleged to be a January 2021 memo from TfL that has already concluded that “Operators should continue to be able to introduce remote sign-on facilities.” If this document indeed exists, please provide me with a copy.

The Mayor: Remote sign-on has been the subject of discussion between Transport for London (TfL), Unite the Union and the bus operators for some time. As part of discussions, the document referred to was produced by TfL to help clarify the benefits, disbenefits and potential risks highlighted by those involved in this dialogue. Ultimately, this culminated in TfL commissioning independent research into the potential risks and benefits of remote sign-on. TfL plans to publish the results of this research in 2022, rather than any preceding documents that the research team has taken into consideration.

Drugging offences (3)

Emma Best: What are you doing to support victims of drugging offences in London?

The Mayor: The support provided to a victim of any crime is tailored by the needs of the individual victim so support will look different for each victim.
I fund the 24-hour London Victim and Witness Service which can be accessed regardless of whether a victim has reported the crime to the police. Support is tailored to each individual and may include:
The context in which a specific offence takes may also influence the needs of victims. As we know, drugging is often used as an enabler of other crimes such a sexual assault or theft, so a victim may have a number of support needs arising from a drugging offence. This is considered in the development of the victim’s tailored support plan.

Review of advertising on Transport for London services (3)

Siân Berry: In your answer to MQ 2021/4852 you said: “where necessary, the advice of the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) may be sought” in reviewing advertising copy for adverts on Transport for London (TfL) services. For how many advertisements, by year and the category of advertising used in TfL’s annual advertising report, have you sought this advice?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) media partners review all advertising copy submitted for display on TfL’s advertising estate against TfL’s Advertising Policy. If TfL’s media partners have any concerns that a piece of advertising copy may not comply with TfL’s Advertising Policy, or it is in a category that TfL has requested to see, then they refer it to TfL for review and approval.
Advice from the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) is usually sought prior to, and included within, the referral to TfL. TfL does not specifically record the number of CAP referrals by year, however from April to end December 2021 Global Outdoor Media referred 226 advertisements to TfL for review and 143 of these included CAP advice. It is not possible to break-down the number of referrals to TfL with CAP advice by category as the necessary information is held within separate systems.
TfL does not approve advertisements to run which CAP have concerns with, and the advertiser must amend their advertisement to address the concerns raised. CAP advice is not sought on all copy as in some instances like body image, TfL’s policy is tighter than the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines.

St Helier Avenue

Leonie Cooper: Given the number of accidents and the intention to address safety at the Rose Hill roundabout, can the speed reduction from 40mph along St Helier Avenue be urgently brought forward?

The Mayor: I am committed to Vision Zero and the elimination of all deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads by 2041, as set out in my previous response (2021/5063).
Transport for London continues to explore opportunities to improve conditions for all road users between Morden and Sutton as part of work to enhance the bus network in this part of South London. The scope of this project, which includes Rose Hill roundabout, includes investigating changes to speed limits along St Helier Avenue. However, further progression of this project is dependent on the outcome of the next central Government funding settlement.

Reviewing Changes to Healthcare Arrangements in Custody Suites

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to MQ 2021/3612 I was informed that a review of the new arrangements for healthcare provision in custody suites, introduced in May 2021, would be taking place in November. Please update me on the findings of this review.

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police have advised that the start of the review of healthcare provision in custody suites was delayed due to the impact of COVID on staffing resilience and a change in the leadership of the Met Detention command. The review is now progressing and should be completed within this quarter. The findings and recommendations are expected early in the new financial year.

Ignoring a Reasonable Adjustment Request

Keith Prince: Can you explain why TfL has ignored a disabled taxi driver’s reasonable adjustment request under the Equality Act to be released from the 12 mile or 1 hour compellability requirement due to their disability?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/4910.

Volume crime and partnership working

Unmesh Desai: In the draft police and crime plan you have said you will be moving away from setting annual local policing priorities for London’s 32 boroughs. How do you envisage this leading to a better response to volume crimes such as burglary, theft and anti-social behaviour across London?

The Mayor: In my previous term, Isupportedstronger local partnerships by giving Borough Leaders and local Policethe discretion tojointlyagreepriorities based on local need.Burglary fell by 27% and theft by 34% across the capital in the 12 months to March 2020, prior to the pandemic.
My draft Police and Crime Plan underlinesthe importance of these localrelationships,to which Iwill continue to give my full support during this term, and I will continueto provide crime prevention funding across the city.MOPAC will also continue to provide data on local crime and perceptions of safety to all partnersto enable them to identify and address local priorities.
Prior to launching the draft consultation MOPAC spoke to all Councils, and the vast majority of Council leaders, and the draft Plan reflects what we heard from them. A key measure in the Public Attitudes Survey (PAS) is about police dealing with what matters most to communities locally and this will mean the police being even more focused on local concerns.
My draft Plan sets out howmoreofficerswillbolstervisible neighbourhood policing, focusing oncrime hotspots and town centres across the capital. In October 2021, there were 1,589 DWOs supported by 605 PCSOs across London. The MPS is introducing 650 additional officers in town centres across London, the first tranche of teams were put in place in December 2021 and the remaining teams will be in place by February 2022.
Withmore police on the streets and stronger partnershipswith Boroughs,in thisterm wewillput an evengreater focus ondrivingdownneighbourhood crime and addressing thelocal issues that most concern Londoners.

TfL Services and Greenwich

Len Duvall: How can you reassure my constituents in Greenwich that TfL will provide the services needed to help them access work, schools, local amenities and the other services they need?

The Mayor: There is no UK recovery from the pandemic without a London recovery and there is no London recovery without a properly funded transport network in the capital.I willcontinue to make the case forsustained long-term Government funding to ensure London’s transport network can remain reliable and efficient, can support the jobs and new homes that rely upon it, and can support the economic recovery of the capital, the country as a whole, and of course, all of London’s boroughs.

Ambulance Call-Outs to Police Stations

Caroline Pidgeon: How many ambulances have been called to Met custody suites in 2021? Please break this down by month.

The Mayor: Please see the requested information from the MPS Custody system within the table below. This shows the number of times an ambulance was called to a Custody Suite and the number of total Custody Records during the same period for comparison:
Measure
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ambulances Called
271
322
362
398
412
374
418
420
385
349
281
293

The Met’s Spending on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Caroline Pidgeon: Please break down the Met’s spending on tackling violence against women and girls over the last five years, broken down by i) year and ii) borough.

The Mayor: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is at the heart of my priorities for London. My dedicated Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2018-21 (Police and Crime Plan 2021-25 | GLA (london.gov.uk) vawg_strategy_2018-21.pdf (london.gov.uk)) was backed with £60m investment. Building on this my draft Police and Crime Plan 2021-25 (Police and Crime Plan 2021-25 | GLA (london.gov.uk)) includes specific measures that will be taken to tackle VAWG.
Tackling VAWG also remains a top priority for the MPS. The MPS VAWG Action Plan (Violence against women and girls - Action Plan (met.police.uk) details how the MPS will do more and better to keep women and girls safe. It brings together MPS work to prevent male violence against women and girls, in public spaces as well as domestic settings and online; to target perpetrators, and with the wider criminal justice service, to improve outcomes for victims.
However, it is not possible to identify VAWG spending in isolation in the way requested by the question. As tackling VAWG is central to the activity of so many parts of the MPS, it cannot and should not be seen in isolation from the wider work of the Met to keep all of London safe.

Drink Driving (2)

Elly Baker: What discussions, if any, have you had with the Government over allowing random breath testing and police use of mobile evidential breath testing equipment? What benefits would such changes bring in London?

The Mayor: As Mayor I have called for the Government to review my Vision Zero Action Plan report developed by City Hall, Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that the health and wellbeing of Londoners is at the heart of how we think about road safety in London.
My Vision Zero Action Plan proposes the use of mobile evidential breath testing equipment for roadside testing and removal of the requirement in the Road Traffic Act 1988 that a police officer must suspect a person is intoxicated before conducting a random breath test. The proposals would make enforcement against drink drivers more efficient and effective and reduce demand on police resources by removing the need for evidential testing to take place at a police station.
The Government has a key role to play in realising the Vision Zero Action Plan by setting a national regulatory framework that empowers local agencies to effectively tackle road danger and behaviours.
In addition, TfL and the MPS also raised these issues in their response to the DfT’s call for evidence as part of the roads policing review in 2020. TfL and the MPS suggested that this be considered as part of a review of traffic law. We await the outcomes from the roads policing review.
Policing policy in this area is directed by the National Police Chief’s Council and the MPS will continue to work with the NPCC as required to implement any legislative or policy changes.

Non-crime hate incidents (2)

Neil Garratt: In its judgment on Harry Miller v The College of Policing, the Court of Appeal found that the College of Policing’s guidance on recording non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) did not properly recognise the Article 10 right to free speech. This created an undesirable situation where legitimate political disagreement became a police matter, and where people felt coerced by the police not to express perfectly legal, legitimate political views. How does the Metropolitan Police’s approach to NCHIs balance the competing policy objectives of tackling hate crime and protecting the Article 10 right to free speech?

The Mayor: The MPS are working with the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) and College of Policing (COP) on this issue and are awaiting the publication of new guidance from them. It is anticipated that the NPCC will have the new guidance ready for forces later this month.

Clipper usage

Leonie Cooper: How many commuters have used the Clipper service this year and what is the difference from pre-Covid levels? Can you provide figures for users going on board broken down by each of the piers in Wandsworth?

The Mayor: Transport for London has liaised with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UBTC) to seek the information you have requested. UBTC has responded stating that in 2021 it expects to carry two million passengers, which is about 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels. In terms of West London passenger numbers, this information is commercially sensitive, soUBTC is not able to provide a per-pier breakdown for the Wandsworth area. However, it has commented that the RB6 route that serves Wandsworth (during the morning and evening peak periods on weekdays only) is now on average back to around 70 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

TfL Bonuses (3)

Neil Garratt: Can you confirm that all TfL bonuses paid are put on record?

The Mayor: All performance awards for Transport for London (TfL) employees earning a base salary of £50k per annum or more are publicly available and published on the TfL website and their performance awards are published in £5k brackets as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) transparency documents and can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/senior-staff
For employees earning a base salary in excess of £150k per annum, their individual performance awards are made explicit in the Remuneration section of the TfL Annual Report and Accounts.
There are employees who earn a base salary below £50k per annum, who are part of TfL’s Pay for Performance scheme who receive a performance award, these are not published. The total performance award spend across these schemes are published in the Remuneration Committee papers, with the average performance award for this scheme around 2.5 per cent of base salary over recent years.

Fraud (1)

Neil Garratt: What international partnership work has the MPS undertaken to tackle fraud?

The Mayor: The MPS has a close working relationship with the United Kingdom Central Authority (UKCA), who coordinate Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests for acquiring evidence from overseas jurisdictions for investigations.
In addition to this, the MPS has a close relationship with the National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK's lead agency against crimes such as cybercrime and economic crime, and the UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU). This allows the MPS to seek assistance from the Egmont Group, an international group of more that 150 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), providing a platform for the secure exchange of expertise and financial intelligence globally.

Deaths of London Transport Personnel from Covid-19

Keith Prince: According to the Safety, Health and Environment Quarterly report Quarter 2 2021/22 published by TfL, “103 members of our workforce ... have sadly passed away from COVID-19 as of 22 November 2021”.

Similar to the information you provided in your response to Question 2021/1974, please provide me with details of these 103 deaths showing:

1) sex and, if known, ethnicity,
2) date of reported death
3) name of TfL contractor or TfL division for whom each victim worked
4) place of work (e.g. train station, bus depot, taxi, PHV) and
5) TfL executive responsible for the transport mode in which each victim worked (e.g. MD Buses, LUL, Taxi and Private Hire, etc).

The Mayor: Sadly, from March 2020 to November 2021, a total of 103 colleagues from Transport for London (TfL) and its partner organisations passed away in service due to Covid-19 related illness. Every death in service is taken very seriously by TfL. TfL has put in place a range of additional support for families and colleagues where there has been a bereavement.
A summary of the information requested has been provided in the accompanying tables.
TfL is unable to report on the number of Taxi or Private Hire Drivers who have died in service as it does not have access to this information.

The Mayor: 4898 -Deaths of London Transport personnel from Covid-19.xlsx

Colourful Crossings

Susan Hall: How much have you spent on colourful crossings for each year since 2016? Please give a breakdown by borough.

The Mayor: Colourful crossings are commonly used as a wayfinding tool and placemaking initiative, to enhance the public realm, support destination strategies, encourage tourism or as an opportunity to promote items or events of local significance.
Since 2016, Transport for London (TfL) has facilitated four colourful crossings. Of these, three have been permanent crossings, all located in London Borough of Southwark on Southwark Street. Two remain; one at Great Guildford Street and Southwark Street, and one near 81 Southwark Street. All were funded by third party sponsors.
A temporary crossing, funded by TfL for London’s 2019 Pride event, was installed in Regent Street in City of Westminster. The installation, maintenance and removal costs over a 2-month period were £13,696.32.
A series of crossings along Tottenham Court Road were introduced in September 2021 as part of my Let’s Do London campaign and used £606.00 of GLA funding.

Colourful Crossings Equality Impact Assessment

Susan Hall: You stated that TfL carried out Equality Impact Assessments for colourful crossings across London, yet the negative impacts of these crossings on disabled people were not identified before implementation. How will you be improving this process in future to prevent disabled Londoners from being negatively impacted by such decisions?

The Mayor: Colourful crossings are commonly used as a wayfinding tool and placemaking initiative, to enhance the public realm, support destination strategies, encourage tourism or as an opportunity to promote items or events of local significance.
In my manifesto I set out my commitment to ensuring the design of our streets considers everyone’s needs. TfL shares this commitment to designing inclusively. In response to stakeholder feedback, it has recently completed initial research in this area.
Following the research, TfL has paused colourful crossing installations on TfL roads for a 12-month period from November 2021, and has advised boroughs to do the same. During this time it will continue further research in order to adopt a permanent policy position.
TfL will also be sharing interim advice on colourful crossings with London boroughs in the coming weeks.

Powered two-wheelers

Keith Prince: For each year Dec 2015 to Nov 2016, Dec 2016 to Nov 2017, Dec 2017 to Nov 2018, Dec 2018 to Nov 2019, Dec 2019 to Nov 2020 and Dec 2020 to Nov 2021, how many powered two-wheelers thefts were recorded by the Met?

The Mayor: Please see the table attached.

The Mayor: 4892 attachment - Powered Two-Wheelers.xls

E-scooter thefts

Keith Prince: For each year Dec 2015 to Nov 2016, Dec 2016 to Nov 2017, Dec 2017 to Nov 2018, Dec 2018 to Nov 2019, Dec 2019 to Nov 2020 and Dec 2020 to Nov 2021, how many e-scooter thefts were recorded by the Met?

The Mayor: Please see the table attached which has been provided by the Metropolitan Police Service. The ‘electronic scooter’ category did not exist in the data prior to January 2020 and so data does not exist before this date.

The Mayor: 4893 attachment - E-scooter thefts.xls

Cycling and Investment Strategy

Elly Baker: The previous Mayor responded to the March 2016 consultation on the Government’s draft cycling and walking investment strategy to call for:
a specific civil offence for the infringement of an advanced stop line by motorised traffic when the signal is red; and


a “commencement order” to decriminalise cycle lane infringement.
Neither change appeared in the final strategy, so could you update me on what you have done since you became Mayor to progress both of these requests in your discussions with Government?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has long been calling for the decriminalisation of moving traffic offences in mandatory cycle lanes and tracks and the creation of a new civil offence for the encroachment of advanced stop lines. I was pleased that the Government announced last year that it would make the necessary changes to allow TfL and London Local Authorities, as well as Local Authorities outside of London, to enforce moving traffic offences in mandatory cycle lanes and tracks. This does not require new primary legislation. TfL understands that this will happen early in 2022 and is working on plans for when it has powers to enforce.
The creation of a new civil offence to enable enforcement of advance stop lines is more complex and requires primary legislation. TfL understands that the Government has no current plans to do this.

Graduated Driving Licence

Elly Baker: What discussions, if any, are you having with the Government on re-starting work on the Graduated Driving Licence?

The Mayor: A Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) scheme is something that could significantly benefit young driver safety in London and across the UK more widely. Such a scheme has been shown to be successful in countries that have adopted it such as USA, Canada, New Zealand and Sweden.
Transport for London (TfL) gave evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee in 2019 supporting the introduction of GDL. However, the Government has confirmed that it is not considering such changes to licensing at this time.
TfL would be happy to work with Government on the introduction of GDL were its position to change.

Lobbying Government about Effectiveness of Masks against Covid-19

Keith Prince: While you have repeatedly publicly stated that you have long been a supporter of mask wearing on public transport as an effective Covid-19 risk reduction action, a 9 April 2020 email from TfL to Unite the Union released in your long-delayed response to Question 2020/1724 clearly states that the “latest guidance from TfL is masks are not needed”.

On what day did you learn that masks worked and what did you do about it?

Please provide evidence of your claim that you were lobbying government from that time.

The Mayor: As you know, I strongly believe that face coverings on public transport are a key measure to protect staff and customers, which is why I asked Transport for London (TfL) to keep them as a requirement as a condition of carriage after the Government’s national regulations ended in July 2021 and again in January 2022.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have followed advice and guidance from Public Health England. By early April 2020, the use of face coverings/masks was not being advised by the World Health Organisation or Public Health England. Some countries however were adopting mask wearing and I therefore commissioned the London COVID-19 Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC) to review the advantages and disadvantages. The paper STAC produced in response suggested that the disadvantages would outweigh the benefits based on the information available at the time. At this point in the pandemic less was known about the transmission of the virus and airborne transmission had not yet been confirmed.
However, at the same time, TfL was taking steps to ensure that it could access supplies of Type IIR masks for employees should the guidance change. Once a decision and guidance on face coverings were issued by Government, TfL provided Type IIR masks for employees and advised all those who work and travel on public transport to wear a face covering. In a May 2020 press release, which followed the Government’s announcement of an outline roadmap out of restrictions, TfL advised those passengers that needed to travel to wear a face covering. This was in advance of Government legislation which made face coverings on public transport mandatory in July 2020.
There was no single day that I learned masks were effective. Evidence from across a number of countries was accumulating and we were constantly reviewing the available information. The balance changed whereby it became clear that the disadvantages were outweighed by the medical advantages.

Breach of Covid regulations in London (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Do you believe that the Metropolitan Police should fully investigate and take action against those found to have breached Covid regulations, where there is clear evidence, such as a photograph from a party?

The Mayor: All operational decisions regarding investigations are the responsibility of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).
The MPS has begun investigations into events at Downing Street and Whitehall where participants may have breached Health Protection Regulations on a number of dates.

Night bus usage (1)

Siân Berry: What was the annual fare revenue for passengers from bus journeys on dedicated night bus routes and those starting between 23:45 and 04:30 on 24-hour routes, for each of the last five full financial years since 2016-17?

The Mayor: The annual fare revenue apportioned to dedicated night bus routes and 24-hour routes while running in the night is as per below:
Transport for London introduced middle door boarding of buses on many routes from the end of April 2020 to late June 2020 and customers were not required to touch in on these routes during that period. 2020-21 revenue was also suppressed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pilot schemes to decriminalise minor cannabis offences

Caroline Pidgeon: When will your pilot scheme to decriminalise minor cannabis offences begin? How will you measure success?

The Mayor: The pilot programme reported in the media, which is yet to be approved by City Hall, does not mean that I am moving to decriminalise cannabis – something I do not have the power to do.

Work of the Strategic Coordination Group

Caroline Russell: Your office and your Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience did excellent work through the Strategic Coordination Group (SCG) to unite and coordinate all levels of government across London tackling coronavirus. What work is the SCG doing to prepare London for variants of concern, and to be resilient against coronavirus this winter?

The Mayor: The organisations within the COVID SCG continue to monitor and work closely with each other to ensure that all partners are briefed on emerging VOCs and coronavirus developments.
In October a System Pressures Oversight Group was also been established to monitor wider impacts such as; severe weather or supply chain issues, collectively alongside COVID issues to ensure that we, as a partnership in London, remain sighted and prepared for issues that may present this winter.
The Omicron variant presented a rapidly changing picture for London and after discussions with partners through the System Pressure Oversight Group I declared a Major Incident and the COVID SCG was stood up again. As the situation develops the SCG will continue to monitor the risk to the London system and recommend action as needed.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Measures Across the Eight Central Bridges in London

Caroline Pidgeon: In your submission to the recent Spending Review you stated that funding from Government was urgently required to make permanent all the temporary hostile vehicle mitigation measures across the eight central bridges in London. This work had begun before the pandemic but has since stalled. Without this urgent work when do you expect these barriers will reach an ‘end of life’ stage?

The Mayor: Work is progressing on six central London bridges. Transport for London (TfL) is committed to completing the design and build for Westminster and Vauxhall bridges (where it is the asset owner and highway authority) and concept designs for Blackfriars, London and Tower bridges (where it is the highway authority, but not the asset owner).
The designs for the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Measures on Lambeth Bridge are being progressed as part of a wider Healthy Streets project. If funding for the project is approved, and there are no unforeseen delays, TfL plans to start work in late 2023 and finish in 2025.
Southwark and Waterloo bridges are not within TfL’s scope as TfL is neither the highway authority, nor the asset owner of these bridges, however Southwark Bridge includes heavy trieff kerb style segregate cycle tracks, whose entry & exit points have recently been upgraded with HVM bollards.
The works on Westminster Bridge commenced on 15 November 2021, with completion expected in February 2022. For Vauxhall Bridge, if funding for the project is approved, the works are due to commence in early 2023.
For Blackfriars, London and Tower Bridges, TfL has committed to providing up to 50 per cent of the funding, subject to the outcome of the current financing discussions with the Department of Transport (DfT). Works on these bridges is therefore uncertain until funding has been agreed with the DfT and with the bridge owners for the other 50 per cent of costs. Negotiations to agree the funding contributions are being progressed with key stakeholders.

ULEZ Cameras and Information Sharing Between TfL and the Met

Caroline Pidgeon: Please update me on work to ensure that streams and images from the new ULEZ cameras, installed as part of the expansion, can, where necessary, be shared with the Met to support their work and investigations.

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police are finalising their Data Protection Impact Assessment, which will then be used to inform the requirements for the sharing of data from the new ULEZ cameras,as well as forming part of the Mayoral Delegation that will be required in order for Transport for London to be able to share the new camera infrastructure installed for the expanded ULEZ. No data from the new ANPR cameras for the ULEZ Expansion will be shared until all governance requirements have been met and the updated Mayoral Delegation and Direction is in place.
The MPS is reviewing its current camera network and will, where necessary and proportionate, request access to specific TfL ULEZ expansion cameras / sites on a case-by-case basis. This aligns to the principle of proportionality in the GDPR / DPA and is consistent with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of practice and the national policing standards for the deployment of ANPR cameras

Putney High Street

Leonie Cooper: Air Quality in Putney High Street is improved but still toxic. Are there plans to replace the Low Emission Bus Zone with a Zero Emission Bus Zone?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) bus emissions have reduced by around87per centfollowing the introduction of the Low Emission Bus Zone in this area, andas of 1 January 2021, all buses in TfL’s 9,000 strong core bus fleet meet or exceed the cleanest Euro VI emission standards, effectively making the whole of London a Low Emission Bus Zone.Therecent expansion of theUltra LowEmission Zone is set to reduce emissions even further.
The bus fleet is moving to zero emissions across all of London.As I announced on 17 September, TfL is no longer purchasing new diesel or hybrid buses, and there are already over 560 zero emission buses operating across the city.I have been able to bringforward the date by which London will have a fullyzero emission bus fleetfrom 2037 to2034 at the latest, although this is dependent on reaching a long-term funding settlement with Government.With further Government support, a fully zero emission fleet could be achieved by 2030.

Night Tube

Emma Best: Please lay out a timetable for the reopening for all of the Night Tube lines.

The Mayor: Central and Victoria Night Tube services returned on Saturday 27 November 2021 and Night Overground services resumed on Friday 17 December 2021. The re-opening of these lines make it faster, easier and safer for thousands of Londoners to get around and is another important milestone as London's vibrant night-time economy continues its recovery from the pandemic.
As a result of the pandemic and staff absences, Night Tube was suspended in March 2020 as drivers were needed to ensure that the Tube service during the day, where there is greater demand, was as frequent as possible. The pandemic also affected TfL’s ability to train new drivers to replace those who have left.
Night Tube drivers were recently offered the opportunity to convert from their part-time roles to permanent full-time roles, which boosted TfL’s ability to run day services. This change also benefits drivers and means overnight services have been able to resume on the Victoria and Central lines, the busiest two lines before the pandemic.
TfL is working to reintroduce Night Tube on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines as quickly as possible in 2022. training still needs to take place on these other Night Tube lines. The return of these lines alsohas tobe planned around complex vital operational and engineering closures, includingtheupcoming closure of the Bank branch of the Northern line from January 2022 to allow completion of the upgrade at Bank Tube station. A timeline for resumption of the remaining Night Tube services, recognising this context, will be available as soon as possible.

Direct Vision Standard

Elly Baker: What discussions, if any, have you had with the Government regarding the adoption of your Direct Vision Standard nationally?

The Mayor: The development of Transport for London’s (TfL) innovative and world leading Direct Vision Standard (DVS) scheme involved close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT provided input during the design phase and supported the notification of the changes to the European Commission. The DfT has been included in regular working groups as well as the kick-off meeting of the second phase of development, which will lead to the introduction of tighter standards in October 2024 and will continue to be included in this process.
The DVS is part of my Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041. While there has been no clear commitment from the DfT to adopt DVS nationally, the scheme has been designed in such a way that it could be adopted by other cities or rolled out nationally. TfL is also supporting the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in drafting regulations and technical standards for direct vision requirements at an international level, and this will have a UK-wide impact.

Traffic Offence Reports for powered two-wheelers for speeding

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide the number of Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued to powered two-wheeler riders for speeding offences in London in 2021, broken down per month.

The Mayor: Traffic Offence Reports contain the make and model of the vehicle involved but not the type of transport. It would therefore be impossible to ascertain the information requested without scrutinising all Traffic Offence Reports.

Weapon scanning technology (1)

Emma Best: What was the outcome analysis of the weapon scanning technology deployed on a trial basis in Stratford in 2019?

The Mayor: While Transport for London (TfL) hosted the thermal technology trial at stations, the initiative was led by the Home Office (Thruvision) and trialled by the British Transport Police (BTP). As mentioned in my answer to Mayor’s Question 2021/4489, TfL is not aware of any formal review to be published by the Home Office or Thruvision, and TfL did not carry out any analysis of this trial.

Weapon scanning technology (2)

Emma Best: Please can you advise why there will be no further rollout of weapon scanning technology?

The Mayor: As noted in theanswers to Mayor’s Questions 2021/4489 and 2022/0114, the trial was undertaken by the Home Office (Thruvision) and British Transport Police. Transport for London is not aware of any current plans to deploy this equipment on the transport network in London.

Deaths of at least 26 Bus Drivers from Covid-19 after March 2020 Lockdown

Keith Prince: Further to your long-delayed response to Question 2021/2854, do you accept that the deaths of the 26 bus workers who died after May 2020—i.e., a fatality total nearly equal to the 27 who died between March and May 2020—cannot be blamed on the lateness of lockdown?

The Mayor: I am deeply saddened for all those who have lost family and friends as a result of COVID-19.
As you know, Transport for London commissioned an independent study from UCL’s Institute of Health Equity to help it urgently understand what more could be done to reduce the risk of bus drivers contracting COVID-19. The UCL report conclusion was clear that, for the bus drivers who died between March and May 2020, more lives would have been saved if lockdown had happened earlier.
The delay to the implementation of a nationwide lockdown clearly had a significant impact on public health but it was by no means the only factor. The UCL studies have also shown that London bus drivers, in general, also have other risk factors that may increase the chance of mortality as a result of COVID-19, such as ethnicity, age, and living in areas that had higher rates of infection.
TfL continues to remind passengers that face coverings are required on all TfL services as a Condition of Carriage, except for those with exemptions. This is to protect themselves and those around them, including bus drivers.

Police officer investigations (1)

Nicholas Rogers: How many serving Met police officers are currently under criminal investigation for alleged offences against women and girls? Please break down by type of offence and please ensure domestic abuse figures are included.

The Mayor: As of January 2022, 119 officers are currently under criminal investigation for alleged offences against women and girls. This equates to 129 allegations as some officers are under investigation for multiple offences.
Offence Category
No.
Burglary
0
Corruption
0
Criminal Damage
2
Drugs
1
Forgery
0
Misc/malf in a Public office
3
Other
46
Perjury
1
Robbery
0
Sexual offence
47
Theft
1
Traffic
2
Violence against the person
26
TOTAL
129
Domestic abuse is identified by a flag applied to misconduct allegations rather than against the criminal offence categories and therefore has to be counted separately to the above table. Currently 40 officers are shown as under investigation for Domestic abuse related criminal offences.

Silvertown Tunnel (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to your answer to question 2021/4346 what assurances can you provide that frequent bus services will operate through the tunnel on a long-term basis?

The Mayor: I can assure you that Transport for London (TfL) is committed to running frequent bus services through the Silvertown Tunnel to support delivery of the scheme’s objectives and ensure more cross-river journeys are made by public transport. Through the Development Consent Order (DCO), TfL has committed to a minimum of 20 buses per hour during peak periods in each direction through the tunnels for the duration of the monitoring period, initially planned for three years. TfL anticipates that these buses will be zero-emission.
Making specific commitments on bus frequencies beyond this would not be appropriate, given the need to respond to constantly evolving demand in planning bus services. TfL has however, set out clear plans for developing this new cross-river bus network in its Bus Strategy for the scheme. The DCO makes clear that TfL must comply with this Bus Strategy, and that it will apply for the life of the scheme (i.e. beyond the initial monitoring period).
Regardless of the specific commitments made in respect of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme, TfL has a clear mandate to run a successful bus network to support London and the objectives of my Transport Strategy. However, TfL’s ability to provide the services that London needs is clearly at risk in the absence of reasonable and long-term financial support from central government.

Catalytic Converter theft 2

Susan Hall: For each year Dec 15 to Nov 16, Dec 16 to Nov 17, Dec 17 to Nov 18, Dec 18 to Nov 19, Dec 19 to Nov 20 and Dec 20 to Nov 21, how many Catalytic Converters were stolen in London that involved the use violence or the threat of violence and what is the sanction detection rate?

The Mayor: 4954_4955_Catalytic Converter thefts (1) & (2) (1).xlsx

Catalytic Converter thefts (1)

Susan Hall: For each year Dec 15 to Nov 16, Dec 16 to Nov 17, Dec 17 to Nov 18, Dec 18 to Nov 19, Dec 19 to Nov 20 and Dec 20 to Nov 21, how many Catalytic Converters were stolen in London and what is the sanction detection rate for each of these years?

The Mayor: Please see attached the requested information related to both MQ 4954 and MQ 4955. The supplied notes page should be read in conjunction with the data to aid in interpretation.

The Mayor: 4954_4955_Catalytic Converter thefts (1) & (2) (1).xlsx

Action against mobile phones being used illegally while driving (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: Has TfL explored any possibility of using existing camera resources on TfL’s road network to monitor the use of mobile phone usage?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) cameras cannot be used for this purpose. Home Office Type Approval rules for safety cameras prevent cameras from being used for any purpose other than criminal enforcement of speed and red-light offences which is undertaken by the police. TfL’s enforcement of decriminalised traffic offences (e.g. parking and driving in a bus lane) must comply with the Department for Transport's Vehicle Certification Agency Regulations which prevent the cameras from being used for other enforcement purposes. Ideally, we would like to see the Government approve multi-purpose cameras for enforcement purposes.
TfL has had an initial discussion with some suppliers of distracted driver technology to test equipment in an urban environment but there are no finalised plans at this stage.

LGBTIQA+ spaces

Zack Polanski: What additional support will you provide to LGBTIQA+ spaces to ensure that they continue to be vital parts of London’s economy and culture?

The Mayor: London’s LGBTQ+ spaces play a vital role supporting the community, acting as safe spaces where people feel comfortable and free to be who they are. In April 2020, I launched an emergency £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund, which supported over 301 businesses. Almost £200,000 of that funding was awarded to LGBTQ+ venues most at risk of falling into administration.
My Culture and Community Spaces at Risk Office works to secure the venues and operations of underrepresented groups, including those serving the LGBTQ+ community.
For example, The Office secured dedicated business support for the Friends of the Joiners Arms. This helped build their capacity as a community led LGBTQ+ venue securing a Section 106 Agreement to ensure a long-term presence. The Office is also working with the Black Cap Community group to restore this historic venue in Camden in line with its remit to operate as an LGBTQ+ space.
Delivering on my manifesto pledge, a new LGBTQ+ community centre opened in Blackfriars this month, offering a range of LGBTQ+ specific services, including mental health support, sexual health advice, and wider services targeted at trans people.
Additionally, The LGBTQ+ Venues Forum also brings together London venues to help foster dialogue, build resilience, and share best practice.

E-scooter collisions by borough

Unmesh Desai: Please advise how many e-scooter collisions there have been, broken down by borough, in each year since 2018.

The Mayor: In the table attached, I set out the numbers of personal injury collisions recorded by the police as involving a private e-scooter in London from 2018 to the end of August 2021, which is the latest processed information available.
The data may include records where the e-scooter rider is uninjured. Although ‘e-scooter’ is not recorded as a separate vehicle type in the data, TfL is able to search a free text field. All 2021 records are currently provisional and subject to change.
Private e-scooters are illegal for use on London’s roads and there are no regulations or standards controlling the build of these vehicles. TfL is working with other transport authorities across the UK to make the case to the DfT of the need for a regulatory framework for private e-scooters.

The Mayor: 0468 escooter attachment.xlsx

Roads Funding (2)

Elly Baker: The Department of Transport lists the following future and additional funding schemes on its website:
Local Pinch Point Fund
National Roads Fund
Major Road Network
Local Growth Fund
Transforming Cities
Can you confirm which of these funds a) the GLA/TfL and b) London’s Boroughs are able to bid for? What bids have been submitted to those funds by the GLA/TfL? What bids were successful and how much funding was provided?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) does not currently receive any funds from the Local Pinch Point Fund, National Roads Fund, Major Road Network, Local Growth Fund or the Transforming Cities fund. TfL has placed a number of bids into the Major Road Network fund in 2019 and has been shortlisted for a few schemes, but any funding is pending final approval of individual business cases.

Roads Funding (1)

Elly Baker: The Department of Transport lists the following existing and previous funding schemes on its website:
Local highways maintenance – needs element funding
Local highways maintenance – incentive/efficiency element funding
Pothole Action Fund
Local highways maintenance funding – Budget 2018
Local highways maintenance challenge fund
Can you confirm which of these funds a) the GLA/TfL and b) London’s Boroughs are able to bid for? What bids have been submitted to those funds by the GLA/TfL? What bids were successful and how much funding was provided?

The Mayor: Neither Transport for London (TfL), the GLA or the London Boroughs are eligible to bid for these funds.
The exception is the one-off 'Highways Maintenance - Budget 2018' funding, which was a formula-based allocation and did include London. An allocation of £20m of the total £420m fund was allocated to London, which was shared across TfL and the London Boroughs.

L-plate Delivery Drivers

Caroline Pidgeon: Given the rise in delivery drivers on motorcycles and mopeds in London, will you carry out research to establish the number of delivery drivers operating motorcycles and mopeds on L-plates?

The Mayor: As set out in the Vision Zero Action Plan progress report, the recent increase in people riding for work highlights the need to tackle longstanding poor safety outcomes for people riding motorcycles. That is why Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with delivery companies to identify opportunities to improve safety standards for their riders.
It is very difficult to accurately estimate the number of riders and drivers in the delivery economy as many riders ‘multi-app’ (riding for multiple companies), may ride without livery, and frequently own their own vehicles. However, it is clear from engagement with delivery companies that a high proportion of their riders have only completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), and so are riding on L-plates.
I believe that the case for improvement in training standards for all motorcyclists riding on L plates, and particularly those driving for work, is already made. Consequently, TfL is focusing its resources on engaging with companies and Government to improve safety standards and at present has no plans to commission additional research to establish the precise proportion of riders that have only completed CBT.

Strategic roads investments

Elly Baker: Can you confirm what funding on strategic roads investments contained in the budget, will be spent on roads located in London, as opposed to London benefitting from money spent on roads outside London?

The Mayor: The Government's Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 set out £24 billion of strategic roads investment from 2020 to 2025.
Transport for London does not have a full list of these schemes; however, there are no schemes within the M25 shown in the DfT's Roads Investment Strategy 2, which will direct this expenditure. The Autumn Budget and Spending Review regional factsheets give the Lower Thames Crossing, linking Kent and Essex, and managed by Highways England, as the only example of how London will benefit from the £24bn strategic road investment fund.

Motorcycles/Moped L-Plate Collisions

Caroline Pidgeon: Please provide the number of collisions reported per month in (I) 2021 (II) 2020 (III) 2019 involving (a) motorcycles with L-plates and (b) mopeds with L-plates in London.

The Mayor: The police do not record the displaying of L-plates on powered two wheelers involved in personal injury collisions as this is not a requirement under Department for Transport (DfT) guidance.
Although not part of the DfT STATS19 national dataset, Transport for London (TfL) has requested that the Metropolitan Police record driving licence details, where known, for drivers involved in personal injury collisions. By using these licence details it is possible to filter to collisions involving those with a provisional licence.
A provisional driving licence enables a rider to legally use a restricted motorcycle up to 125cc with L-plates. Please find attached TfL’s records which also show licence details against motorcycles with a larger engine capacity.

The Mayor: 0287 ATTACHMENT.xlsx

Walthamstow Central

Emma Best: What is the progress in securing the funding for the new lift entrance at Walthamstow Central, which is central to enabling the large Walthamstow Mall car-free tower block development?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is working with the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) and the developer of the Mall to improve the capacity and accessibility of Walthamstow Central station. Planning permission for a second station entrance was secured in January 2021, however TfL is currently unable to commit the funding towards the project’s delivery because of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its financial position.
In June 2021, LBWF submitted a bid, supported by TfL, to central government for Levelling Up funds to help deliver the entrance. Although this bid was unsuccessful, discussions continue with the Greater London Authority and central government on the funding strategy for the project.
It is not possible to proceed with full delivery of the second entrance until government funding is secured. However, LBWF, TfL and the developer have worked closely to ensure that the space required for the new entrance is safeguarded until at least 2024 so that the first phase of the development can begin. This safeguarding is funded through reinvestment of community infrastructure levy funds into the Underground station element of the works.
A long-term government funding settlement for TfL remains essential to enable TfL to continuedelivery ofaccessibility and other enhancement projects, maintain reliable and efficient services, and avoid a manageddeclineof London’s transport network.

Protecting Outer London's Transport services?

Joanne McCartney: If the Government does not give TfL the funding it needs to maintain our current bus/tube and rail services, how will you ensure outer London boroughs are protected? Cuts to service levels will have a greater impact on outer London residents' ability to travel and would result in more vehicle journeys.

The Mayor: I am clear that Transport for London requires proper long-term funding. The latest funding deal with Government only provides support until 4 February 2022. This means that nothing has changed in terms of TfL having to plan on the basis of a managed decline of the capital’s public transport network. A managed decline would mean TfL facing some tough decisions; however, no decisions have yet been made about specific lines, services or areas which may be affected if TfL does not receive Government support required to maintain planned service levels.
As set out in its Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP), which is separate from any planning for managed decline, TfL has committed to reducing bus mileage by four per cent to better match demand and has also made changes to some off-peak Tube services. These changes were primarily focused on inner and central London, rather than outer London, as increased rail capacity and improved active travel options in these areas have been changing the way people travel since before the pandemic. Notwithstanding the risk of managed decline, TfL is clear that now is not the time for any material reductions in service beyond those set out in the FSP anywhere in London.

Step-free Access at Queens Park Station

Krupesh Hirani: In your response to question 2021/3441 you stated that you were waiting for a response from Network Rail. Please provide an update on step-free access at Queen’s Park Station including details of the response from Network Rail.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) received an update from Network Rail on 22 October 2021.
Of the original six layouts under consideration, Network Rail has dismissed four on the grounds of disruption to station operations during construction, and/or engineering constraints. The remaining two options involve a footbridge extending from the rear of the ticket hall, with one of the options also including staircases (in addition to the lifts).
Network Rail indicated that it intended to undertake station modelling and more detailed design work by spring 2022, after which internal Network Rail approval would be sought for the allocation of Access for All money. If approved, the scheme would need to be implemented by 2024.

London Fire Brigade (5)

Susan Hall: There continues to be a delay on delivering Recommendations 17, 25 and 26 from the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1. What are you doing to ensure they are completed as quickly and safely as possible?

The Mayor: Alongside the Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, I closely monitor progress on the remaining outstanding Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) recommendations and receive regular progress reports to ensure in the London Fire Brigade is taking necessary actions to deliver the required outcomes.
For GTI recommendations 17 and 25, which are linked to the Fire Survival Guidance mobile application, these were included within a detailed review process undertaken by LFB’s Portfolio Board. This provided additional scrutiny of the departments responsible for these recommendations.
Recommendations 17 and 25 have been delayed during testing taking place throughout December and January to ensure Capita’s interface on the mobile application works effectively in an operational environment. The Portfolio Board’s scrutiny included a detailed investigation into the risks which may further affect delivery timescales and action is being taken by LFB and Capita to mitigate this.
GTI recommendation 26 covering equipment aiding firefighter communication with the bridgehead is not due for completion until August 2022. A detailed review into this recommendation will be undertaken by LFB in the first quarter of 2022, with outcomes to be reported to me thereafter.
The Deputy Mayor’s Fire and Resilience Board receives a regular update on progress made by LFB and discusses any delays or implementation issues, where these occur. I publish a regular report for stakeholders on progress with the Phase 1 recommendations, which can be found here: https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/mayor-london/grenfell-tower-inquiry-m....

Nominee Passes

Susan Hall: Can you provide the most up to date figures on TfL nominee passes, as previously provided for MQ 2020/4159?

The Mayor: The below table provides a breakdown of Nominee Passes by type as at the 7 December 2021.
Pass Type
Number
TfL Nominee
18,843
Third Party Nominee
3,279
Bus Operator Nominee
21,510
Retired Nominee
10,050
Total
53,682

Canons Safer Neighbourhood Team

Shaun Bailey: Will you permit the Canons Safer Neighbourhood Team to be re-sited back into the community it serves, in either the Stanmore Synagogue or the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital? If this is not permissible, please clarify the reasons why this cannot take place.

The Mayor: Canons Safer Neighbourhood Team is currently based in Centenary Park from where they are able to meet the agreed Ward coverage commitment of being able to reach their ward within a 20-minute journey time from their base. There are no plans to relocate the teams to an alternative location as the MPS has accommodation available within its retained estate which provides the appropriate coverage.

Drugs Trial

Shaun Bailey: Will you be funding the drugs trial mentioned in your statement on 4th January?

The Mayor: We are assessing the viability of a pilot which would divert young adults in a small area in London found in possession of a small amount of cannabis into help and support. It is right that we look at schemes that can steer young Londoners away from the criminal justice system and implement ideas based on the evidence for what has worked in other cities and police forces. However, it is important that we look in detail at the proposals and how they would be monitored and their effectiveness at reducing reoffending evaluated. This proposal is not going against the Government's intended direction of travel as outlined in their recent drugs strategy which states: “Sanctions will be proportionate and relevant to the circumstances. For example, those who are caught in possession of drugs for the first time may be required to attend a drugs awareness course, so they have the opportunity to understand the harms of drugs and change their behaviour. In some cases, an individual may need more than one opportunity to make this change in their lifestyle, and police forces will have discretion to support this.”
Although I have not yet decided whether this particular pilot will be funded, I will not shy away from exploring and implementing new ideas that could help us to deliver the outcomes we all want in London – less crime, safer streets, better public health and young Londoners diverted away from drug use and crime for good.

Policing Trafalgar Square

Nicholas Rogers: Are there any specific policing plans in place for Trafalgar Square as a key London landmark?

The Mayor: The MPS retain a repository of plans which have been developed over time in relation to the policing of Trafalgar Square. Each new event is specifically planned for according to the available intelligence to ensure delivery of a proportionate and suitable policing plan. During planning for events, reference is made to previous operations and plans, working with partners as required. The MPS also works with partners to minimise general risks related to the site, for example, designing measures, such as bollards, that reduce the risk of a hostile vehicle driving on to parts of the Square reserved for pedestrians.

Blue Light Collaboration During the Pandemic (2)

Onkar Sahota: Can you provide an update on the number of Metropolitan Police officers and staff who have been abstracted to support the NHS and the London Ambulance Service, if any?

The Mayor: In January 2021, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) supplied 75 full time officers and 19 Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) officers to drive ambulances to support the London Ambulance Service (LAS). The deployment was between the 15/01/2021 and 15/02/2021.
In June 2021, a further request came from the LAS following the third wave of the virus. 70 officers from across the MPS were deployed to provide assistance to the LAS. This deployment was for three months.
Officers and staff were volunteers and had to meet certain criteria set by the LAS. Applications were restricted to officers from outside of Basic Command Units (BCUs) and the Territorial Support Group to avoid putting undue pressure on BCUs.
Currently there are no MPS officers or staff supporting the NHS or LAS as part of the response to covid-19. No support was provided during the most recent ‘Omicron’ wave.

Drug Commission

Caroline Russell: When will your Drug Commission be launched and when will you publish the terms of reference?

The Mayor: Work is well underway to establish the London Drugs Commission. I will update the Assembly further in the next few months.

Use of Interpol I-24/7 database and SIS II

Unmesh Desai: How many times has the Interpol I-24/7 database been used by Met officers in 2021 so far? Please advise how many times its predecessor, the SIS II database, was used in 2020.

The Mayor: As SISII alerts were accessible to police officers through the Police National Computer (PNC), the number of times SIS II was used is not available.
The MPS does not hold data on the number of times the Interpol I-24/7 database has been accessed, and this data is not provided to the National Crime Agency by Interpol itself.

Transport KSIs (1)

Keith Prince: For each year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 please provide the number of people killed on London roads broken down by transport type?

The Mayor: Please find attached a table showing the number of people killed on London’s roads reported to Transport for London by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police.
All numbers are for Department for Transport STATS19 compliant fatalities and will not include suicides, locations on private roads, deaths determined to have been caused by natural causes and injuries which are subsequently fatal more than 30 days after the collision.
Further details of personal injury collision reporting for the London area including an interactive dashboard with data from 2017 can be found on our website: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/road-safety
Every death or serious injury on our streets is a tragedy which we must do everything in our power to prevent. I am heartened that the numbers are falling, but we must do more. This is why TfL recently launched the Vision Zero action plan progress report, setting out a number of new actions to further reduce road danger in London including accelerating the 20mph speed limit programme on TfL roads, introducing more cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings to make it easier for people to walk and cycle and enhancing support for road traffic victims.

The Mayor: 0130 ATTACHMENT.xlsx

Transport KSIs (2)

Keith Prince: For each year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 please provide the number of people seriously injured on London roads broken down by transport type?

The Mayor: Please find attached a table showing the number of people seriously injured on London’s roads broken down by transport type reported to Transport for London by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police.
The latest processed data we can provide for serious casualties for 2021 is to end August, provisional. 2015 and 2016 serious figures have been adjusted to allow for changes in collision recording by the Metropolitan and City of London Police Forces.
Further details of personal injury collision reporting for the London area including an interactive dashboard with data from 2017 can be found on our website: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/road-safety

The Mayor: 0131 ATTACHMENT.xlsx

TfL funding and London’s economy

Marina Ahmad: What would be the impact on London’s economy if the Government does not provide an adequate long-term funding settlement for TfL?

The Mayor: If an adequate long-term funding agreement is not reached, Transport for London (TfL) will be forced to move to a ‘managed decline’ scenario. This would be catastrophic to London’s economy, with recent analysis from my team at City Hall estimating that managed decline would result in losses to London’s economy that could exceed £12 billion by 2031.
£7.3 billion of these losses would result from reductions in transport user benefits, including time and productivity lost due to public transport delays, service reductions and road congestion. Loss of wider economic benefits, such as from reduced productivity, could equate to an additional £4.5bn over the same period. Factoring in the economic value of a slower reduction in carbon emissions, for instance due to a slowing of the transition to a fully zero emission bus fleet, brings the total net loss to over £12 billion. This is a conservative estimate, as it does not capture additional disbenefits in areas such as housing delivery and London’s competitiveness.
London needs long-term, sustainable funding for its public transport network, which is a key enabler of economic growth. It would not just be London’s economy that would suffer, but that of the UK as a whole. For every £1 spent by London Underground Ltd (LUL), 55 pence is spent on suppliers and projects outside the capital. Key orders for new trains for the Piccadilly line, for example, depend on our ability to plan for the long term. Without a sustained long-term funding agreement from the Government, capital expenditure projects such as this are at risk as drastic savings on future, as well as current, expenditure will need to be sought. TfL’s supply chain currently supports 43,000 jobs across the UK, the loss of which would pose a threat to both London and the wider UK economy.

Night tube

Marina Ahmad: When do you expect a date to be announced for the resumption of the night tube on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2021/4477.

London Crime Prevention Fund investment

Caroline Russell: In December 2021 you announced additional funding through the London Crime Prevention Fund for grassroots crime prevention projects. Could you detail any trauma-informed interventions that will be funded?

The Mayor: The majority of this funding has been allocated to local authorities, with a proportion allocated to the Co-commissioning Fund. However, we remain in the process of submission and review of projects to be funded over the next three financial years and the decision on how to utilise these allocations to best meet local need rests with local authorities. I am therefore unable to share any information on specific trauma-informed interventions which will be included at this stage. However, all projects delivered using this fund must support the delivery of the new Police and Crime Plan which, although still in draft, advocates for trauma-informed approaches.

Local Highway Funding Allocation

Elly Baker: The DfT say, “The funding allocated to each local highway authority in England in 2020/21 is based on a formula using 2019 road length data provided by each local authority, and also takes into account the number of highways assets such as bridges and lighting columns for which they are each responsible for.” Does London receive such an allocation? If not, given the formula, what level of funding should TfL and the Boroughs receive if they were part of this scheme?

The Mayor: London does not receive any highways maintenance funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) under the highway's maintenance formula. Transport for London is urging the Government to provide a long-term funding agreement, which protects and enhances transport infrastructure and services.
In 2021/22, the total DfT funding for Highways Maintenance Block and Potholes is £1,125m. If this fund was allocated in the same proportions used for the 'Highways Maintenance - Budget 2018' funding, this would mean an allocation of over £50m per annum would be due to London.

Completion date for works at Harrow on the Hill Station

Krupesh Hirani: On what specific date (in the format DD/MM/YYYY) does Transport for London estimate that the accessibility works at Harrow on the Hill Station will be completed and ready for passengers to use?

The Mayor: Good progress has been made at Harrow-on-the-Hill station and the work is now in its final stages.Due to the complexity of the work to deliver four new lifts while keeping this 140 year-old station open to customers, it is not possible to give a specific date for completion.Transport for London estimates that the accessibility works at Harrow-on-the-Hill will be completed in early 2022.

The Mayor: Good progress has been made at Harrow-on-the-Hill station and the work is now in its final stages.Due to the complexity of the work to deliver four new lifts while keeping this 140 year-old station open to customers, it is not possible to give a specific date for completion.Transport for London estimates that the accessibility works at Harrow-on-the-Hill will be completed in early 2022.

Completion date for works at Sudbury Hill Station

Krupesh Hirani: On what specific date (in the format DD/MM/YYYY) does Transport for London estimate that the accessibility works at Sudbury Hill Station will be completed and ready for passengers to use?

The Mayor: I am pleased to say that the lifts at Sudbury Hill are now available to use and were opened to customers on 30 December 2021.

Environmental crime

Caroline Russell: What is the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) strategy for dealing with environmental crime, particularly large-scale dumping and hazardous waste?

The Mayor: Waste crime causes significant harm to businesses, local communities and the environment. The pandemic saw fly-tipping offences soar due to the closure of council tips and less frequent bin collections.
Investigation of environmental crime, including large scale dumping and hazardous waste, is the responsibility of local authorities and the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency will enforce laws that protect the environment and use their enforcement powers to secure compliance.
The MPS does not have a specific strategy for this type of crime but where required will support the Environment Agency with their investigations into large scale dumping or illegal disposal of hazardous waste. This extends to investigations into unregistered waste carriers run by organised criminals. Those held responsible face a fine or imprisonment.
As a requirement of my London Environment Strategy, all boroughs have produced Reduction and Recycling Plans (RRPs). These plans include a requirement for local Reuse and Recycling Centres to have necessary permits to accept a wide range of materials, including hazardous waste, and working, through ReLondon, to ensure that commercial waste providers in the capital are operating legally.

Stop and swab by police (3)

Caroline Russell: Did the two licensed premises involved in the drug swabbing exercise in Shoreditch between 6 and 12 December 2021 pay for this service from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), and if so, how much did they pay?

The Mayor: This was a joint operation between the Territorial Support Group (TSG), Central East BCU and the Central Licencing Team, working in partnership with the licenced premises. No payment was involved.

Dash cam footage outcomes

Caroline Russell: At the Police and Crime Committee meeting on 23 June 2021 the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said that data regarding the number of submissions of footage from dash cams and head cams from the public, and the outcomes resulting from them should be published and publicised. Could you provide a link to where this data is published?

The Mayor: The MPS is currently working on a joint annual publication with Transport for London that will include specific details relating to the number of road traffic incidents reported by the public via the Single On-line Home platform, which records alleged offences of bad driving. The report will cover offences reported the financial year 2019/20 and the number of Notices of Intended Prosecutions issued by the MPS as a result of these reports. It is expected to be published shortly, followed by another report focussing on the financial year 2020/21. When published it will be available at Safety and Security publications section of the TfL website (https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/safety-and-security).

Wizkid concert

Shaun Bailey: What is the MPS doing to ensure there is not a repeat of fans storming a concert or other public event, which occurred at the Wizkid performance on 28th November at the O2?

The Mayor: Following the Wizkid performance, MPS officers worked closely with management and security staff at the O2 to review and debrief the event and ensure that any lessons learned were incorporated for future events.
The Casey Review into events at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley has also been shared with planners and commanders and relevant lessons learnt have been adopted as applicable.
The MPS is engaged in the local Safety Advisory Governance process which oversees all security and safety arrangements concerned in the hosting and management of an event but the overall responsibility for stewarding and security arrangements rests with the event organiser and the venue.
The BCU dedicated policing team is deployed at the O2 Arena and they support the security team as needed.

Retrospective investigations of breaches of coronavirus regulations

Caroline Russell: What is your response as Police and Crime Commissioner for London about the Good Law Project’s view that the policy of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) not to retrospectively investigate breaches is likely to be unlawful, a failure to publish the policy is likely to be unlawful, and a decision not to investigate based on an absence of evidence is also arguably unlawful? What discussions have you had with the MPS about this policy?

The Mayor: I welcome confirmation that the Met Police is investigating a number of events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of the law.
The public rightly expect the police to uphold the law without fear or favour, no matter who that involves, and I have been clear that members of the public must be able to expect the highest standards from everyone, including the Prime Minister and those around him. No one is above the law. There cannot be one rule for the Government and another for everyone else.

E-scooter seizure equality impact assessment

Caroline Russell: Has the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) carried out an equality impact assessment for e-scooter seizures?

The Mayor: E-scooters are legally defined as motor vehicles. It is illegal to use a vehicle on a public road without insurance. When seizing e-scooters being used on London’s roads, the MPS are using their powers conferred by Parliament under the Road Traffic Act 1988 or under section 59 of the Police Reform Act for inconsiderate road use likely to cause alarm, harassment and distress. As such, there is no requirement to carry out a specific Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for e-scooter seizure specifically as it is not a new policy or power.
The rental e-scooter trial, run by Transport for London (TfL), London Councils and relevant London Boroughs, is the only legal way to ride a scooter on London’s roads or cycle lanes. The EQIA for the trial is available on TfL’s website: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/equality-and-inclusion-publications

Vision Zero: Bus Safety Incidents and Controller Instructions

Keith Prince: For every bus safety incident where someone has been killed or injured, will you recommend TfL investigate and record the last instructions given by the bus controller to the bus driver?

The Mayor: As part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero approach to having no one killed on or by a bus by 2030, where an incident has met TfL’s criteria to trigger a more thorough investigation, bus operators are expected to identify the root causes and contributory factors of the incident.
This would include, as part of the investigation, recording and investigating communications between the bus controller and bus driver.

Vision Zero: Bus Safety Incidents and Bus Driver Experience

Keith Prince: As part of TfL’s oversight of its bus operator investigations of the 43 people killed or seriously injured in Bus and Coach Safety Incidents between 27 April – 18 September 2021, did TfL request its bus operators provide information showing each bus driver’s length of service as a London bus driver?

The Mayor: As part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero approach to having no one killed on or by a bus by 2030, where an incident has met TfL’s criteria to trigger an investigation, information about a bus driver’s length of service is requested from the bus operators as part of the investigation.

Vision Zero: Bus Safety Incidents and Fatigue

Keith Prince: As part of TfL’s oversight of its bus operator investigations of the 43 people killed or seriously injured in bus and coach safety incidents between 27 April – 18 September 2021, did TfL request its bus operators to provide information showing whether or not bus driver fatigue was a factor in the Safety Incident?

The Mayor: As part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero approach to having no one being killed on or by a bus by 2030, where an incident has met TfL’s criteria to trigger an investigation, information is sought from the bus operators to identify whether there were any indications the driver was suffering with fatigue.
As part of the suite of measures being taken to improve alertness among bus drivers following the Loughborough University research into bus driver fatigue, TfL has also rolled out Fatigue Management Awareness Training to all managers and supervisors across the ten bus operating companies to help raise awareness of fatigue and the steps they can take to help manage and mitigate it. Measures are also under development to ensure that fatigue is considered as part of all incident investigations, irrespective of the severity.

Vision Zero: Bus Safety Incidents and Overtime

Keith Prince: As part of TfL’s oversight of its bus operator investigations of the 43 people killed or seriously injured in bus and coach safety incidents between 27 April – 18 September 2021, did TfL request its bus operators to provide information showing whether or not the bus driver was working overtime or had recently worked through rest days?

The Mayor: As part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero approach to having no one killed on or by a bus by 2030, where an incident has met TfL’s criteria to trigger an investigation, information about the working patterns of the bus driver in the days leading up to the incident is requested from the bus operator as part of the investigation.

Step-Free Access

Leonie Cooper: How will the stream of short-term funding deals affect TfL’s ability to provide step-free access for stations in Merton and Wandsworth?

The Mayor: Step-free access in Wandsworth received a significant boost in 2021 with the opening of two brand new accessible stations (Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station) on the Northern Line Extension. In addition, Transport for London’s (TfL) Accessibility Programme saw Wimbledon Park Tube station in Merton become step-free in August.
Around 34 per cent of the Tube network will be step-free by the end of 2022, with upgraded stations including Harrow-on-the-Hill and Moorgate. Additional step-free schemes being explored in and beyond 2022 are subject to appropriate funding being secured.
A long-term government funding settlement remains essential to enable TfL to continuedelivery ofaccessibility and other enhancement projects – including further step-free conversions, maintain a reliable and efficient network, and avoid a manageddeclineof London’s transport network.
TfL is currently running a consultation that asks people who rely on step-free access how step-free stations should be prioritised in the future. The consultation is open until 10 February 2022, and can be found here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/tube-step-free-access.

Drivers and Riders Campaign

Caroline Pidgeon: What measurable outcomes have been achieved by TfL’s ‘Drivers and riders, watch out for each other’ campaign targeting powered two-wheeler (PTW) vehicle users last year? What further actions are you taking to build on the work of this campaign in ensuring driver safety?

The Mayor: I am more determined than ever to achieve Vision Zero and eradicate all loss of life and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041. Transport for London’s (TfL) recent Vision Zero action plan progress report, published in November 2021, sets out plans to make our roads safer for all road users, especially for people walking, cycling or riding motorcycles.
This Powered Two-Wheeler (P2W) behaviour change campaign is specifically aimed at improving P2W safety on London’s roads. Research shows the most common collision factor involving a P2W rider is a car turning into the path of the rider (over 50 per cent), therefore targeting driver behaviours - the cause of most harm to P2W riders - is key to influencing change.
The results from the consumer survey (September 2021) for the latest P2W behaviour change campaign, indicates the proportion of drivers who report they ‘always’ or ‘regularly’ watch out for motorcyclists is 81 per cent, an increase of 6 per cent from June 2021. Those who said they ‘always’ watch out for motorcyclists is currently 43 per cent versus a 44 per cent target set for the 2021/22 financial year.
The campaign, which is fully supported by key industry stakeholders, has achieved over 6.4 million completed video views (exceeding benchmark by 31 per cent) with performance highest in Central and West London boroughs.
The number of people killed or seriously injured on a motorcycle in London has dramatically fallen. In 2021 there were 10 fatalities – 60 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels (2017-2019 average).
Inthe2022/23 financial year, TfL will continue to runWatch Your Speed– a campaign that encourages drivers to drive atanappropriate speed, for their own safety and other road users.

Public Toilets Targets

Emma Best: What targets have you set for improving access to public toilets in London throughout this mayoral term?

The Mayor: Public toilets are a vital facility for everyone. A range of organisations including small businesses, retailers, commercial organisations and local authorities provide and maintain toilets accessible to the public. Our aim is to encourage all providers to maintain, and where possible, increase the number of toilets available for use by the public. This includes offering access to toilets which are open 24 hours which can be of benefit to people working and accessing London’s night-time economy. We also require new large-scale developments and encourage providers to offer a choice of toilets, including Changing Places toilets, in line with my London Plan policy S6.

Mapping Public Toilets

Emma Best: On 20th August, Age UK tweeted “The @GBToiletMap shows 1558 public toilets in London. In some boroughs there's over 100, which is a relief. In others it's less than 20!...” What actions are you taking to not only increase public toilet provision in London but also ensure that what public toilets there are in London, are mapped and publicised sufficiently?

The Mayor: No one should be worried about locating a toilet when they are out and about in London. There is variation in the number of toilets in different parts of the city.
My Good Growth investment is creating or refurbishing more than 250 toilet units, Transport for London (TfL) is also improving its toilet provision and my London Plan Policy S6 requires large-scale developments that are open to the public – such as shopping centres or large community spaces – to provide free, publicly accessible toilets suitable for a range of users. In respect of high street access, I support borough community toilet schemes that promote access to toilets on commercial and retail premises by members of the public; I will continue to work with boroughs, TfL and businesses to provide inclusive and accessible toilet services in London.
I encourage local authorities and businesses that provide publicly accessible toilets to ensure they have clear signage and are proactive in promoting the availability of their facilities via online mapping and information services

London Drugs Commission

Emma Best: What is the latest date by which the London Drugs Commission will convene by?

The Mayor: Work is well underway to establish the London Drugs Commission. I will update the Assembly further in the next few months.

Heathrow Flights over North Westminster

Tony Devenish: There seem to be increasing numbers of flights over Hyde Park and North Westminster over recent months. Will you make representations to Heathrow to reduce these and do you have any concerns that Heathrow might be seeking to sneak out changes under the cover of Covid?

The Mayor: Transport for London staff have contacted Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) who have confirmed there have been no changes to flightpaths/operations. HAL suggests that this is most likely a reflection of the steady increase in flights as the airport rebuilds its operations. In December 2021 there were on average 812 daily air traffic movements (departures and arrivals) at Heathrow – a substantial increase on a few months ago but still well below pre-pandemic levels (1,242 daily air traffic movements in December 2019).

Freedom Pass

Nicholas Rogers: When do you plan to lift the current restrictions on Freedom Pass usage on London’s transport network?

The Mayor: As a condition of the emergency short term funding Transport for London (TfL) needs to avoid collapse, I am required to implement measures to raise additional revenue for TfL.
A number of changes to fares and ticketing are now being considered. This includes deciding whether or not to permanently restrict the use of the Older Persons’ Freedom Pass and the 60+ London Oyster photocard to after 09:00, which has been in place temporarily as a response to the pandemic.
No decisions have been made and any proposals that are progressed will be subject to equality impact assessment and consultation and stakeholder engagement as appropriate.